By Emeka Nwokocha
In commemoration of the ongoing 16 Days of activism Against Gender-based violence, Members of Side-By-Side Faith Movement for Gender Justice, Delta State Chapter have called on religious, and community leaders in Sapele, Delta State to play a central role in protecting the rights of women and girls by ensuring total eradication of gender-based violence in society.
Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, member of the South-South Steering committee of the organisation made the call on Thursday 7 December, 2023, during advocacy sessions held at the Nigeria Police Force, Sapele Area command premises.
Speaking to the Christian leaders at the session, Pastor Egedegbe expatiated the goals of the organisation, expressing the need for a collaboration with stakeholders in rasing awareness on the effect of gender-based violence on society and collaboratively take measures to end the menace.
Continuing, he said that the advocacy was part of the organisation’s activities to mark this year’s 16 days activism against gender-based violence, a global event that kicks off on 25 November every year.
Continuing, Egedegbe said that the campaign against gender-based based violence would be sustained with a view reaching out to the nooks and crannies of Delta State and nipping the scourge in the bud.
Pastor Egedegbe, while speaking with members of Hausa cum Moslem community in Sapele, at another session of the advocacy, spoke passionately about the goal of the organisation, emphasizing that it centres on addressing gender biases in the society.
He commended the Hausa community for turning out in large number at the session, and also called on the leaders of the Hausa community to play an active role in protecting the rights of women and girls by promoting the campaign against gender-based violence.
He stated that every violent act meted out to women and girls in society is an infringement on the rights of women and girls and a huge harm to humanity.
He added that a progressive and peaceful society would only be achievable when the principle of gender equity is jealously adhered to.
Also speaking, Delta State Coordinator of Side-By-Side Faith Movement for Gender Justice, Bishop Nehemiah Ojeninah described the session as impressive, noting that sustained collaboration with the Hausa community is germane in achieving the goal of the Faith Movement.
Speaking, prominent leaders of the Hausa community, Hon. Tanimu Adamu, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, and Alhaji Hassan Abubakar commended members of the Side-By-Side Faith Movement for Gender Justice for the enlightenment session. They assured that they would collaborate with organisation to promote the campaign against gender-based violence to ensure its goal is fully achieved.
Continuing, they urged the Side-By-Side Faith Movement for Gender Justice to ensure the sensitization sessions are sustained in the communities and among various stakeholders.
